During the dinner, Odeh received his United Hatzalah first responder reflective vest and medical kit. The kit was put to use just a short time later that evening when one of the EMS volunteers ate something that caused an immediate severe allergic reaction.

“I saw him begin to show signs of a severe allergic reaction. He began to develop a rash over his face and his eyes began to water,” Odeh recalled. “Before his situation could deteriorate any further, I administered an intramuscular steroid with an antihistamine and we closely observed him for 20 minutes as he began to stabilize.”

Odeh, a pediatrician who lives and works in Jerusalem, is new to EMS work. He was told about United Hatzalah by a close friend who volunteers with the organization.

“I’ve always wanted to volunteer as a first responder,” said Odeh. “It has been a dream of mine ever since I began studying medicine. For me, now is the time. I couldn’t do it while I was studying or in residency as I simply didn’t have the time. However, now I am able to go out and help as a doctor. I want to help as many people as I can.”

In the first two weeks of volunteering, Odeh has already saved lives.

“I am about to spend a week working in Tiberias. I have been in touch with the United Hatzalah chapter there as well as the other chapters of the organization in the north of the country, letting them know that I am coming and that I am available to assist if need be. That is the beauty of being a part of a national organization. No matter where I go, no matter what time of day, I can be of help to someone, even at my own inauguration party,” he said.